Ice manufacture



-' March 26, I940.-

J. E. KELLY Er AL 2,194,600

ICE MANUFACTURE Filed Nov. 8, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet l I 7 xx 4 4 p .L fl el ZZzam V,

Z all Jase 72 March 940. J. E. KELLY ET AL ICE MANUFACTURE Filed Nov. 8, 19 38 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ii 2 72a Patented Mar. 26, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 10E MANUFACTURE Joseph E. Kelly, Atlanta, Ga., and William V. Kelly, Birmingham Ala.

Application November 8, 1938, Serial No. 239,570 I 9 Claims.

This invention relates to ice manufacture, and

it is primarily an object of the invention to provide means whereby ice may be frozen in a domestic mechanical refrigerator in a manner whereby the ice is free of impurities and also free of air pockets so thata pure and clear product is assured.

Another object of the invention is to provide a container to be supported for rotation within the freezing chamber of the refrigerator and adapted to be rotated during the period of freezing, such rotation serving to agitate the water initially applied within the container to free such water of impurities that may be therein and also to eliminate the forming of air pockets during the period the water is freezing.-

Jln additional object of the invention is to provide a container to be rotated within the freezing chamber of a refrigerator and adapted to initially contain a predetermined amount of water to be frozen and wherein the container has associated therewith means whereby the water as frozen will be formed into what is known as cubed or sized ice.

Furthermore, it is an object of the invention to provide a container for holding water to be frozen and which container is adapted to be. rotated within the freezing chamber of a refrigerator during the freezing operation to separate from. the water any impurities therein so that the ice when frozen will be free of impurities, such agitation of the water during the freezing operation also assuring the ice to be free of air pockets and wherein-the peripheral portion of the container is provided with means for forming the ice as it freezes into cubed or sized ice.

The invention consists in the details of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts of our improved ice making apparatus whereby certain important advantages are attained and the device rendered- Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially on the line 22 of Figure 1 looking in the direction of the arrow;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view in perspective of the ice forming mold shown in Figures 1 and 2 but unapplied;

Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view taken through a container constructed in accordance with another embodiment of our invention;

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 5-5 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a view in end elevation of the coniv tainer as comprised in Figures 4 and 5;

Figure 7 is a detailed sectional view illustrating a further embodiment of the invention.

As illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings, A denotes the freezing chamber within a refrigerator R preferably of a domestic or household type, access within the chamber A being through the opening I to be closed by a conventional door. ber. A are the refrigerant coils 2.

The wall 3 of the refrigerator shell or box opposed to the opening I and at substantially the axial center of the coils 2 has disposed there-' through a shaft 4. As herein disclosed,this shaft 4 is provided with suitable means, as at 5, exteriorly of the shell or box of the refrigerator to be connected with a suitable source of power whereby the shaft 4 may .be rotated as and when desired. In practice this shaft 6 preferably roaround the flange 1. These rods 8 are of a length to terminate in desired proximity to the opening 1 and said outer or forward ends of the rods 8 are secured to an annular member .9 which snugly and rotatably fits within an annular sup porting member l0 herein disclosed as mounted,

as at H, upon the bottom wall 12 of the chamber A. If desired, suitable anti-friction means may be employed in connection with the members 9 and ill but as this is an obvious expedient .a detailed description and illustration thereof is thought unnecessary. The supporting member [0' is particularly desirable under those conditions Suitably arranged within the chamwater of air pockets so the cubic dimensions where the mounting of the shaft 4 in itself is insuflicient to support the plate 6 and its load.

The plate 6 and its associated parts are adapted to hold for rotation therewith a container C inwhich the ice is frozen. As illustrated in Figure 1, the container C, formed of a metal which is a quick conductor of heat, is divided into what may'be termed a body section l4 and a cap section I5. The cap section l5 maybe applied and held to the body section l4 in any manner preferred but, as illustrated in Figure 1, the cap section l5 threads upon the body section I 4. The container C is of such length as may be required as is also the internal diameter of the containerr The body section I4 is also of a capacity to hold the maximum amount of water to be placed within the container C for freezing. The cap section l5 has its interior of suchcubic dimensions with respect to the capacity of the body section I4 to determine the maximum thickness of the ice frozen within the container C, as will hereinafter be more particularly referred to.

The container C can be readily applied or removed and it is to be noted that the shaft 4 is so positioned with respect to the opening I whereby the desired placement or removal of the container 0 may be easily accomplished.

When water to be frozen is placed within the body section M the container, of course, is outside of the chamber A and is positioned on end with its open end uppermost. After this body section has been properly filled the cap section is applied and the container C is then inserted through the member 9 and caused to engage within the flange 1 so that as the shaft 4 rotates the applied container C will be caused to rotate ac-. cordingly. As indicated at H5 in Figure 1, the inserted end portion of the container C and the inner face of the flange 1 may be provided with a tongue and groove connection to assure a positive coupling of the container C to the flange I. It is to be stated, however, that this is not at'all times necessary as the rods 8 also provide an effective means to cause the applied container C to rotate with the shaft 4.

When the container C is within the chamber A it is in a horizontal position and the water will fill the lower portions of the body section l4 and the cap section I 5 with the water line determined by the cubic dimensions of the cap section I5. At this time it is to be stated that the greater of this capsection l5 the thinner will be the formation of the ice and vice versa. a

As the container C with the water therein rotates, say between twenty and thirty revolutions per minute, the water within the container C will be agitated and such agitation will result in any impurities within the water working toward the axial center of the container and at the same time this agitation of the water will relieve the will be pure and clear. As the container Crotates the ice will first congeal upon the inner face of the peripheral wall of the container from end to end and as the container rotatesthe ice will continue to thicken until all of the water within the container has frozen. When the freezing operation has been completedthe ice will be of a tubular form and the impurities which have been worked out of the water during its agitation will be upon the inner face of the bore. throug the tubular ice formation off by having water poured through the bore of that the ice when formed and can be readily c. ried.

the container 0.

It is believed to be obvious that the removal of I the ice is accomplished after the container 0 has been taken out'of the freezing chamber A.

In this formation of iceit is of particular importance that the ends of the container C be effectively insulated against heat transmission therethrough and particularly against the admission of cold so that congealing of the water upon the end faces of the container C is substantially eliminated. I

In the present embodiment of our invention the closed end portion of the body section I4 is provided therein with a layer ll of suitable heat insulating material, such as asbestos although we do not wish to be understood as limiting ourselves to this'parti'cular material. This insulating lamination H has preferably disposed over its inner face a plate l8 preferably of a metal similar to the metal from which the walls of the sections [4 and I5 are formed.

The closed end of the cap section l5 also has provided thereover a lamination IQ of suitable heat insulating material, such as asbestos or as otherwise may be preferred, and disposed over the inner face of this lamination I9 is a plate 20 also preferably of a metal similar to that from which the cap section [5 is formed.

From the operation of the device as just described a single tubular block of ice is formed ture of cubed or sized ice and for this purpose we I provide a mold M. This mold M, as herein disclosed, comprises a series of annular plates 22 of a maximum diameter substantially equal to the internal diameter of the container C. These plates 22 each deflne a central opening 23 of relatively large diameter. The annular plates 22 are spaced apart as desired in a direction lengthwise of the container C and coacting and interlooking with these annular plates 22 are a series of longitudinally disposed strip plates 24 of a length substantially equal to the distance between the plates I 8 and 20 when the sections l4 and I5 are assembled. These strip plates 24 are of any desired number and are preferably equidistantly spaced in a direction circumferentially of the annular plates 22. These plates'22 and 24 coact with each other and with the plates l8 and 20 to provide aplurality of mold pockets in which the water is frozen when the mold M is applied within the container C and during the rotation of said container. The cubic capacity of the body section H of the container C is preferably slightly less than the combined capacity of the pockets of the mold Mso that when the body section I4 is filled with water, it is assured that the amount of such water is not excessive but is of aquantity sufficient to provide for the forminglif the ice within all of the pockets of the mo In practice, it is preferred that the width of each of the strip plates 24 and also the width of each of. the plates 22 between its outer and inner margins be equal to approximately oneagitation of the water as it is being frozen to as sure the elimination therefrom of all impurities and to eliminate the forming of air pockets with in the ice.

After the container C with the frozen cubed or sized ice therein has been taken out of the refrigerating chamber A, the cap section I5 is separated from the body section [4 of the container and the mold M with the formed ice therein removed. Water can then be poured on the mold M not only to release the formed ice from the walls of the pockets of the mold but to pass through the central portion of the mold to carry out the impurities which have been separated from the water during the freezing operation.

water within the container C with the mold M therein there is substantially produced a tubular block of ice as has hereinbefore been stated with respect to the operation of the container C without using the mold.

It is also believed to be obvious that after the ice, particularly when in cubed or sized form, has been removed from the mold, said pieces of ice can be placed back into the container C to be preserved.

In the embodiment of our invention as illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 6 of the drawings, the container B is of desired dimensions and formed of a .preferred metal or material which permits the ready transmission of heat therethrough. This container B also comprises two sections detachably connecting one with the other, as at 25. As illustrated in Figure 4, the end portion of the outer or cap section 26 threads within the body section 21 and in a manner whereby is effectively held an annular member or'washer 28. This member or washer 28 extendr inwardly of the assembled container B for a purpose to be later explained.

The peripheral wall of both the sections 26 and .21 is formed to provide the outstanding mold pockets 29, the adjacent walls of which are spaced apart as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 to v assure effective transmission during the freezing operation and as the container B is being rotated within the refrigerating chamber A. The closed end portion of the section 21 is operatively engaged with the shaft 4 in substantially the same manner as has hereinbefore been stated with respect to the first embodiment of our invention except, of course, the connecting rods as shown in this form of invention will have to be arranged to properly coact with the outstanding mold pockets 29. This, however, is not considered to be a particular feature of the invention as the manner in which the container Bis supported and rotated is of no especial importance.

The closed ends of each of the sections 26 and 21 have also disposed thereover the insulating laminations 30 of suitable material with the inner faces of each of suchlaminations being covered by a metallic plate 3|.

v I In this embodiment of our invention the capacity of the body section 21 is such that when it is substantially completely filled with water, such water content will be sumcient to substan- It is to be noted that in the freezing of the tially fill all of the pockets 29 in both the body section 21 and the cap section 26.

The container B, just the same as the container 0 when in working position within the refriger ating chamber A, is horizontally disposed and as the container B rotates the water therein will be agitated to purify and clarify the same as has been previously-explained in connection with the first embodiment of our invention. As this container B rotates the water will be dropped down from one mold pocket 29 to another therebelow and during which time such water will first congeal upon the walls of the mold pockets 29 and this freezing operation will continue until the mold pockets 29 are properly filled with ice.

It is to be noted that the opposed walls of the pockets 29 diverge inwardly. This, of course, is to facilitate the removal of the ice from within themolds after the container B has been applied, said cubed or sized ice when removed from the mold pockets willdrop within either the body section 21 or the cap section 26 after, of course,

the cap section 26 has been removed. It is pos- Should the container B be retained within the refrigerating chamber A after the freezing of the water within the container B has been completed, and if for any reason the temperature within the refrigerating chamber should rise, the ice formed within each of the pockets 25 canreadily fall within the central or body portion proper-of the container B. The particular advantage of this is that when the refrigerating action again starts the water as it again freezes will not injure the container B as a result of the expansion of the water in freezing.

The outer end portion of the cap section 26 circumferentially therearound is knurled or otherwise roughened, as at 32, to facilitate the sepation 21.

It is to be stated that with the use of the invention as hereinbefore described pure and clear ice cannot be expected until after all of the water as applied within the container has been frozen.- It is also to be understood that pure and clear ice cannot be expected should the rotation of the container be stopped before completion of the freezing operation.

In this form of the invention it is important to provide the washer or flange 28 as it serves effectually to prevent the water' during the rotation of the container B to congeal at that portion of the inner face of the container B at the connecting end portions of the is due to the fact that this washer or flange 28 is of rubber or similar substance on which ice will not adhere. It is, therefore, believed to be apparent that the particular purpose of this washer or flange 28 is to provide means to assure the ready separation of the cap section 26 from the body section 21 after completion of a freezing sections 26 and 21. This pockets such as comprised in the second embodiment of our invention. As illustrated in Figure 7,

the pockets 33 are substantially the same as the struction will be oiferedto the desired release of the ice molded within the pockets 33.

From the foregoing description it is thought to be obvious that an ice, making apparatus constructed in accordance with our invention is particularly well adapted for use by reason of the convenience and facility with which it may be assembled and operated, and it will also be obvious that our invention is susceptible of some change and modification without departing from the thereof, a container for the liquid to be frozen,

principles and spirit thereof and for this reason we do not wish to be understood as limiting ourselves to the precise arrangement and formation of the several parts herein shown in carrying out our invention in claimed. a

We claim:- 1. In combination with the freezing chamber of a refrigerator having a door opening in a wall thereof, a container, means for rotatably supporting the container within the freezing chamber in a position to be reached and'removed through the door opening, and means for insulating the ends of the container to eliminate congealing from within to the ends of the container. 2. In combination with the freezing chamber of a refrigerator, a container, supporting the container within the chamber and for rotating the container, said container'comprising separable sections in connection one to the other, one of said sections constituting a measure to determine the maximum amount of liquid to be placed within the container.

3. In combination with the freezing chamber of a refrigerator having a door opening in a wall practice except as hereinafter means for removably supporting the-container within the freezing chamber in a position to be reached and removed through the door opening, said container being so constructed and arranged to provide molding pockets therearound and therealong at the peripheral portion of the container, ,said mold pockets being materially spaced from the axial center about which the container rotates.

4. In combination with the freezing chamber of a refrigerator, a container for the liquid to be frozen, means for removably and rotatably sup-- porting the container wit her, said container being divided transversely into two separate sections, means for maintaining said sections in'assembly, said container in its peripheral portion being provided with mold the freezing 1 champockets, one of said sections of the container serving as ameasure for the liquid to be placed means for removably of the container.

within the container, the capacity of said section not exceeding the combined capacity of the pockets.

5. In combination with the freezing chamber of a refrigerator having a door opening in a wall thereof, a container for a liquid to be frozen, means for removably and rotatably mounting the container within the freezing chamber for rotation about substantially a horizontal axis, said means also supporting the container in a position to be reached and removed through the door opening, and mold pockets extending along and around the container at the peripheral portion thereof and materially spaced from the axial center of the container, said mold pockets being entirely within the container.

6. In combination with the freezing chamber of a refrigerator having a door opening in a wall thereof, a container for a liquid to be frozen, means for removably and rotatably supporting said container within the chamber for rotation about substantially a horizontal axis, said means also supporting the container in a position to be reached and removed through the door opening, the peripheral wall of the container being formed to provide outstanding mold pockets opening inwardly of the container.

7. In combination with the freezing chamber of a refrigerator, a container for a liquid to be frozen, means for removably and rotatably supporting said container within the chamber for rotation about substantially a horizontal axis, the peripheral wall of the container being formed to provide outstanding mold pockets opening inwardly of the container, the walls of adjacent mold pockets being separate, and means for heat insulating the portions of the walls of the pockets immediately adjacent to their open faces. 1

8. The combination with a container for a liquid to be frozen within the freezing chamber of a refrigerator while the container is in rotation about a substantially horizontal axis, said container having one end open and a cap for closing said open end; of a mold removably and snugly fitting within the container, said mold comprising a plurality of annular plates and iongitudinally, disposed strip plates coacting with the annular plates for holding the annular plates in desired spaced relation, theiouter edges of the annular plates and the strip plates having close contact with the peripheral wall of the container and the inner marginal portions of said plates being materially spaced from the axial center of the container, the annular plates and strip plates coacting to provide mold pockets.

9. A container for a-liquid to be frozen within the freezing chamber of a refrigerator while the container is rotating about substantially a horizontal axis, said container comprising a peripheral wall and end walls, the peripheral wall at points therealong and therearound having portions pressed outwardly to form mold pockets, adjacent pockets being spaced apart, and heat insulating means surrounding each of said pockets immediately adjacent to the peripheral wall JOSEPH E. KELLY. WILLIAM V. KELLY. 

